Ray LaMontagne Cancels UT Austin Show Over Campus Carry Law

Folk-rock singer Ray LaMontagne has cancelled his anticipated show at Bass Hall on the University of Texas Campus, citing disagreements with the new campus carry law.

The Grammy-winning singer made the announcement via Facebook on Thursday afternoon, just two days before the show.

“I realize this is a controversial issue and there are strong feelings on both sides of it,” wrote LaMontagne. “But no matter how hard I try to understand the rationale for allowing guns on campus or more broadly, the ‘concealed carry’ law in general, I just cannot in any way support that ideology.”

LaMontagne added that all ticket purchases will be refunded. So far, he hasn’t mentioned a rescheduled Austin show.

Fans seemed divided in their reactions to LaMontagne’s announcement.

“No matter your opinion on the subject, having a band stand up to what they believe in is commendable. Thank you,” wrote one fan.

“I understand … but you should cancel your entire Texas tour then, this isn’t a University of Texas issue, this is a state of Texas issue,” commented another.

The Campus Carry law went into effect on Aug. 1. The law allows concealed carry license holders to bring firearms into campus buildings. Specific restrictions vary from school to school. Open carry is still restricted on Texas campuses.

The first reported incident involving the Campus Carry law occurred yesterday at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. According to Chron.com, a person accidentally fired a gun inside a co-ed dorm on campus.